MLB Rumors: Jose Bautista could be heading to Philadelphia as Phillies express interest

Spring Training is right around the corner but Jose Bautista has not signed a contract. The Toronto Blue Jays remain interested but there might be an NL team interested in Bautista.

Philadelphia Phillies could sign Jose Bautista

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Phillies have an interest in signing Jose Bautista to a contract. They are reportedly looking to take advantage of the stagnant market of big hitters headlined by the 36-year-old slugger. However, the Phillies are reluctant to part ways with a draft pick since they are a rebuilding team. The team is not in a rush to sign Bautista but they surely have an interest. Bautista will likely play right field in Philadelphia.

Toronto Blue Jays still want Jose Bautista

The Blue Jays and Bautista are losers in this year’s free agency market. Toronto lost Edwin Encarnacion for nothing as he signed for the Cleveland Indians. On the other hand, Bautista and his agent did not anticipate the market and they have suffered. Teams are reluctant to give the 36-year-old slugger a big contract because of his age, decline in production, and injury history. The Blue Jays are offering him an annual salary of $17.2 million, which is the same amount he turned down earlier in the offseason.

Toronto has been linked with the New York Yankees’ Brett Gardner but they cannot afford to lose another big bat. Nevertheless, the Blue Jays have a better chance of contending than the Phillies so Bautista likely remains in the North.

Other options for the Phillies

Rosenthal also pointed out that the Phillies are interested in cheaper outfield options like Michael Saunders and Brandon Moss. They could also try to acquire Jay Bruce from the Mets without giving up a top prospect.